We are within a hundred yards of the castle." "And how," asked the Englishman, whose interest had been much excited by his companion's narrative,--"and how came you acquainted with my host ?--and by what means has he so well conciliated the goodwill of yourself and friends ?" Maestro Paolo turned his black eyes very gravely towards his questioner.
"Why, signor," said he, "you must surely know more of the foreign cavalier with the hard name than I do.

All I can say is, that about a fortnight ago I chanced to be standing by a booth in the Toledo at Naples, when a sober-looking gentleman touched me by the arm, and said, 'Maestro Paolo, I want to make your acquaintance; do me the favour to come into yonder tavern, and drink a flask of lacrima.' 'Willingly,' said I.So we entered the tavern.

When we were seated, my new acquaintance thus accosted me: 'The Count d'O-- has offered to let me hire his old castle near B--.

You know the spot ?' "'Extremely well; no one has inhabited it for a century at least; it is half in ruins, signor.

A queer place to hire; I hope the rent is not heavy.' "'Maestro Paolo,' said he, 'I am a philosopher, and don't care for luxuries.